What if nothing has inherent meaning—and that’s actually empowering?
Bernie draws on his decades of teaching ‘The Designer in Society’ to explore a provocative idea: We give things meaning. Including even: Your life has no meaning... unless you give it one. It’s not nihilism—it’s liberation.
Join us to discuss meaning with special guest Professor Sheri Sheppard—who did not like the exercise when she took the class. Together, we consider how we assign meaning, how it evolves over time, and how it shapes everything from our relationships and careers to the smallest of everyday tasks.
01:05 Bernie's philosophy on meaning
07:01 Exercise: _______ has no meaning
07:57 Introducing Professor Sheri Shepherd
11:27 Sheri struggles with Bernie’s ‘No meaning’ exercise
15:56 Different stages of life = different meanings + new possibilities
18:50 Sheri’s class project
23:50 Bernie’s not favorite music
Follow us on Instagram: @yelloweyedcats to see fun extras referenced in this episode - like Sheri and her daughter, Portia!
Co-hosts: Bernie Roth & Krista Donaldson; Producer: Krista Donaldson